Age has its privileges, and that can certainly be the case with travel. Hotels are keen to attract retirees and older travelers, a fast-growing demographic with high disposable incomes, a propensity to take longer trips, and the ability to fill rooms during less busy periods. To attract seniors, hotels often tout a range of benefits and discounts. Here’s how to find them. 

Discounts Offered by Major Hotel Chains

According to Hilton’s website, travelers 65 and older and their families can save up to 6% on the published best available rate. The offer applies to participating Hilton properties, so you’ll need to check online to see whether the one you had in mind is included in the promotion. You can book up to two rooms but will need to prove you are eligible with a valid ID when you check in to the hotel.

Hyatt’s collection of all-inclusive resorts also looks after senior guests. Those 62 years of age and older can take advantage of 7% off the standard resort-only rate by using the promo code “SENIOR” when selecting their room from Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection. However, depending on how far ahead you book, you can sometimes save more by signing up for Hyatt’s loyalty program to booking their member-exclusive rate instead. 

Like Hyatt, IHG offers senior rates to anyone who is at least 62 or holds valid membership to a retired persons’ organization. According to IHG’s website, “discounts from these rates vary by hotel, length of stay, and time of booking. IHG One Rewards members can save more when booking three-plus days in advance with the Member Senior Advance Purchase Discount rate.”   

Marriott also sets the qualifying age for senior discounts at 62, offering reduced rates on up to two rooms as long as the person booking the reservation is eligible. (Other guests sharing the rooms do not need to meet this requirement.) At check-in, reception staff will ask to see a government-issued ID or driver’s license for proof of age. Discounts differ according to the property booked.

Senior citizens also save at Wyndham hotels, which include affordable brands such as La Quinta, Ramada, Days Inn, and Super 8. Guests 60 and older can get a discount of around 10% off the standard rate. 

As with any travel purchase, it’s worth shopping around before settling on a particular hotel. Don’t assume that the senior discount is automatically the best one available to you. In many cases, you can save even more with advance-purchase rates (though these are typically nonrefundable and nonchangeable), special promotions, or seasonal deals. 

Perks for Seniors at Hotels

Some hotels offer perks for seniors to make their stay more comfortable and attract business. Depending on the property, you might be offered a complimentary breakfast, early check-in or late check-out, free parking, or a free glass of wine with dinner. It’s usually best to call the hotel directly or use the hotel’s online chat option to see if such benefits might be available to senior travelers at the time of booking.

It’s also worth considering signing up for an AARP membership, which has plans starting at $15 for one year and $10 per year for a five-year commitment. Using the AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia, travelers who spend more than $500 on a hotel stay (or car rental) are able to claim a $50 gift card per booking (not per person), with a choice of Visa and Mastercard prepaid cards or cards for select retailers. Terms and conditions apply, so before signing up, be sure to shop around.

Retired travelers can also take advantage of no longer being tied to working hours to book off-peak or “shoulder season” trips. Since weekend nights tend to be more expensive than the rest of the week, shifting your dates to midweek can result in significant savings on the standard room rates in many destinations.

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